Web Graphic/Video Design and development

10 replies
Hey everyone,
Brand new here and looking for some advice. I'm a video producer in Bend, Oregon and along the way have become a pretty proficient graphic designer. I love the work I'm doing but am having trouble picking up jobs, there just is not that much to be done locally. My brother told me about this site and said that some people out there might be able to advise me as to how to break into using my skills for online marketing and be able to pick up jobs on a national level.

I know these skills could really enhance online business owners sites, but don't really know where to start. Any suggestions?

PS I have a sample of some work I've done on Vimeo if you search Studio Seven Productions
#design #development #flash video #graphic design #graphic or video #video #web
  • Profile picture of the author Norma Holt
    Hi Eric, welcome to the forum. I am in Australia and not sure how you would go about getting work except by advertising for it. You could approach companies and small businesses etc. and offer them reduced rates until you get on your feet.

    God bless

    Norma Holt
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    • Profile picture of the author Barry Goss
      Eric,

      If you haven't already done so, you should post your information in the Warriors For Hire Forum.
      Signature
      The Life Improvement Companyâ„¢
      LWL Media
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      • Profile picture of the author Eric Parnell
        Hi Barry,
        I didn't even know that section of the site existed! I'll definitely be posting. Thank You!
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Parnell
      Hey Norma,
      Thanks so much those simple thing are just what I need to get going on this thing!
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidParnell
    First thing you need is a website displaying your portfolio.

    I'd make that priority one.


    Originally Posted by Eric Parnell View Post

    Hey everyone,
    Brand new here and looking for some advice. I'm a video producer in Bend, Oregon and along the way have become a pretty proficient graphic designer. I love the work I'm doing but am having trouble picking up jobs, there just is not that much to be done locally. My brother told me about this site and said that some people out there might be able to advise me as to how to break into using my skills for online marketing and be able to pick up jobs on a national level.

    I know these skills could really enhance online business owners sites, but don't really know where to start. Any suggestions?

    PS I have a sample of some work I've done on Vimeo if you search Studio Seven Productions
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Even
    Also add a link to your new website with your portfolio of work in your signature on this and other forums you post to.
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohsin Rasool
    Hi Eric,

    As already suggested get your site developed first...
    not big fast site...but just of few pages...
    About, Services, Contact, Portfolio, Client Testimonials


    Your online site has just to accomplish two tasks...
    1. Make them trust you by providing proof that you can help them.
    2. Make them Contact YOU!!! (Process of getting projects starts here :-)

    Specifically you can achieve above two by doing following:

    1. MAKE them TRUST you that you can DO help them
    with the project in their hand:


    You can achieve this by
    Introducing you...at...About Me Page
    Putting all Previous work ...at.... Portfolio Page
    Publishing comments from your clients ...at... Testimonials Page


    2. Your site should have only one CALL FOR ACTION i.e.
    Contact me for FREE quote!!!
    i.e. Your objective should be that every visitor at your site should EMAIL you,
    contact you, discuss their project with you...

    At every page, there should be only ONE outgoing link i.e. Contact me for Quote...
    So even a 10 years old when lands at your site, knows exactly what you want
    him to click NEXT.... a link to CONTACT FORM!

    Now it is your job to follow up them, educate them, and close the deal :-)

    ----
    Very Important:

    When you have developed your simple but effective site.
    You need to BRING TRAFFIC to your site....
    i.e.
    Promotion , Promotion and Promotion...

    You can accomplish this in many ways:

    1. Put your website link in your FORUM signature file

    2. Add your website as SIG file for every outgoing email you ever write...

    3. Write few articles about design, web dev...and submit to article directories
    link back to your site.

    4. If you like you may start a blog also at your site i.e. yoursite.com/blog
    you can drive much traffic to your blog easily and then you can redirect
    them to your main site ...

    5. if you feel comfortable, you may start PPC at google adwrods, go for local
    searches...geotargeting i.e. google shows your ad only when someone searches from
    the area new to your location....

    -----
    6. Also you may like to publish your visiting card with your Website URL
    and contact info on it,,,, and do not forget to introduce your new website
    to any friend you meet there by providing your visiting card.... they will happily
    refer their friends to your website!

    7. You may run a cheap classified ad in your local/national newspaper also introducing
    your new website and online business...

    I WISH YOU HUGE SUCCESS WITH YOUR ONLINE VENTURE!

    Regards,
    Mohsin Rasool
    PS. Do not forget to ask for REFERRALS and TESTIMONIALS
    from your new clients...

    Whenever your client says...WOW your work is AWESOME, ask
    them to please write a little testimonial for me, i will publish at
    my site with your business name....

    Good Luck
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  • Profile picture of the author smd_vivek
    I second Mohsin, the information he had provided is very helpful for upcoming designers to start up and showcase their work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Parnell
    Thanks Mohsin! I definitely have some work ahead of me. I've been on vacation but am back at it tomorrow. I'm going to work through your points and I think that will really help me launch forward! Thanks for giving me some great advice to get going on.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohsin Rasool
    Hey Eric,

    You are always welcome my friend..I am glad if my post was helpful to you.
    I just checked your wso today...and i am very glad to see you taking ACTION!

    Wish you best,
    Mohsin
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